Ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment of septic wounds

ABSTRACT

An ultrasonic apparatus comprising a hand piece ( 1 ) within a handle region ( 2 ), a connection tube ( 3 ) for connecting to a supply tube, wherein rock salt solution and medical healing agents such as heparin, antibioticts and the like are fed through the feed channel ( 5 ) to the sonotrode ( 7 ) or ultrasonic treatment head. The ultrasound energy is fed to the hand piece ( 1 ) through the connection line to the ultrasonic generator ( 4 ) in a conventional way.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention concerns an ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds, for example of so-called ulcerated legs orother, in particular bacterially infected wounds, which comprises a handpiece connected to an ultrasonic generator and a sonotrode attached tothe hand piece.

[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Background of the Invention IncludingPrior Art

[0004] Methods are known for a treatment of septic wounds. However,these methods are not only very painful for the patient, but inaddition, very time-consuming and therefore cost intensive. A healingsuccess is not guaranteed in connection with these conventional methodsof treatment. Also a transplantation of skin parts from other locationsof the body is further required in particular serious cases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 1. Purposes of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to furnish an ultrasonicapparatus for the treatment of septic wounds, wherein the ultrasonicapparatus provides for a cost favorable method of treatment and wherethis method of treatment is less painful for the patient.

[0007] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become evident from the description which follows.

[0008] 2. Brief Description of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a particular structure of asonotrode of an ultrasonic apparatus. This ultrasonic treatment head orsonotrode resolves the recited problem existing and now a channel isfurnished for a feeding of rock salt solution and possibly of medicalhealing agents such as heparin to the surface to be treated, wherein thesonotrode head can form different shapes depending on the method andkind of treatment.

[0010] In order to optimize the treatment method, the sonotrode head andthe treatment face of the sonotrode have been formed in very differentforms adapted to the different body forms and wound forms. Thebactericidal, cleaning and massaging effect of the ultrasound areemployed in the application of this so-called ultrasonic method.

[0011] The direct contact of the treatment face of the outer sonictreatment head with the pain sensitive wound regions is avoided by theemployment of liquid aerosols. The microcirculation is stimulated by theapplication of the ultrasound, that is the infected cells are destroyedby the massaging action of the ultrasound and thus the surface of thewound is cleaned and the wound heals in a short time upon the regularapplication of the treatment with ultrasound.

[0012] In addition to the rock salt solution also medical healing agentssuch as heparin, antibiotics and the like can be applied through thechannel furnished within the sonotrode, which is particularlyrecommended in cases of difficult accessible areas of infection. Such anultrasonic treatment is in particular helpful in such cases, where noimprovement could be achieved by injections into the area of the wound.The employment of liquids is additionally associated with the advantagethat thereby the heat generated during the treatment is dissipated fromthe sonotrode head.

[0013] As was mentioned above, the sonotrode heads or ultrasonictreatment heads of the subject of the present invention are formed verydifferently. The shape of the sonotrode head and of the treatmentsurface depend strongly on the position and shape of the wound, in orderto assure an optimum employment of the ultrasonic energy. The subject ofthe present invention is to be explained in more detail by way of thedrawings of the various embodiments.

[0014] The novel features, which are considered as characteristic forthe invention are set forth in the appended claims. The inventionitself, however, both as to its construction and its method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the following description of specificembodiments, when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown several of thevarious possible embodiments of the present invention:

[0016]FIG. 1a is a schematic view of a partial longitudinal sectionthrough a hand piece with an exchangeable sonotrode head;

[0017]FIG. 1b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 1a;

[0018]FIG. 2a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with atreatment surface formed inclined relative to the longitudinal axis;

[0019]FIG. 2b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 2a;

[0020]FIG. 3a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with atreatment face in the shape of a screwdriver blade;

[0021]FIG. 3b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 3a;

[0022]FIG. 4a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with adish shape treatment face;

[0023]FIG. 4b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 4a;

[0024]FIG. 5a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with aball shaped treatment surface;

[0025]FIG. 5b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 5a;

[0026]FIG. 6a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with athree-ball shaped treatment surface;

[0027]FIG. 6b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 6a;

[0028]FIG. 7a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with around flat face treatment surface;

[0029]FIG. 7b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 7a;

[0030]FIG. 8a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with atreatment surface formed inclined relative to the longitudinal axis andhaving a rectangular end face;

[0031]FIG. 8b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 8a;

[0032]FIG. 9a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode with asquare flat face treatment surface;

[0033]FIG. 9b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 9a;

[0034]FIG. 10a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode witha treatment surface formed inclined relative to the longitudinal axisand having a round end face;

[0035]FIG. 10b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 10a;

[0036]FIG. 11a is a schematic side elevational view of a sonotrode witha round flat face treatment surface;

[0037]FIG. 11b is a schematic front elevational view onto the front faceof the sonotrode according to FIG. 11a.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0038] In accordance with the present invention there is furnished anultrasonic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 comprising a hand piece (1)within a handle region (2), a connection tube (3) for connecting to asupply tube, wherein rock salt solution and medical healing agents suchas heparin, antibiotics and the like are fed through the feed channel(5) to the sonotrode (7) or ultrasonic treatment head. The ultrasoundenergy is fed to the hand piece (1) through the connection line to theultrasonic generator (4) in a conventional way.

[0039] The hand piece (1) is equipped with a sonotrode receptacle (6),wherein the sonotrode receptacle exhibits a thread for screwing in ofthe sonotrode (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″). The respective sonotrode (7,7′, 7″, 7′″)is furnished with an attachment thread (11, 11′, 11″, 11′″)corresponding to the thread of the hand piece. The liquid to be fed into the treatment face (9, 9′, 9″, 9′″) is led through the channel (10,10′, 10″, 10′″).

[0040] The sonotrode receptacle (6) can be disposed such that asonotrode (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″) attached to the sonotrode receptacle (6)would exhibit an angle between a longitudinal axis of the sonotrode (7,7′, 7″, 7′″) and an axis of the handle region (2). The angle between alongitudinal axis of the sonotrode (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″) and an axis of thehandle region (2) can be from about 5 to 25 degrees and is preferablyfrom about 10 to 15 degrees. The total length of the handle region (2)can be from about one to two times the length of the sonotrode (7, 7′,7″, 7′″) and is preferably from about 1.1 to 1.4 times the length of thesonotrode (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″).

[0041] The handle region (2) can have its axial direction alignedsubstantially in parallel to the axial direction of the supply tube (3).The diameter of the handle region (2) can be from about 3 to 5 times theouter diameter of the supply tube (3). The supply tube (3) can bedisposed on a side opposite to the side of the sonotrode (7, 7′, 7″,7′″) relative to the axis of the handle region (2). A connection meanscan be provided at the handle region near the position of the sonotrodereceptacle (6) for connecting the supply tube (3) on a side opposite tothe side of the sonotrode (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″) relative to the axis of thehandle region (2). The connection means can be associated with a borehole in the handle region (2) connecting the connection means to thefeed channel (5) disposed in a middle of the sonotrode receptacle (6).The diameter of the sonotrode receptacle (6) can be from about two tofour times the diameter of the channel (5).

[0042] The sonotrodes (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″) have a sonotrode channel (10)extending in the longitudinal direction of the sonotrodes (7, 7′, 7″,7′″). The diameter of the channel (5) has a diameter from about 0.5 to 4times the diameter of the sonotrode channel (10) and are preferably ofsubstantially the same diameter.

[0043] The ends of the sonotrodes (7, 7′, 7″, 7 ′″) on the treatmentside can be furnished with very different sonotrode heads (8, 8′,8″,8′″). For example, FIG. 2 shows a sonotrode head (8) with acylindrical outer shape. The treatment face (9) is preferably milled andpolished at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal axis. Theinclination angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode canbe from about 30 to 70 degrees and is preferably from about 40 to 60degrees. It is also conceivable to furnish this face in a concave shape,in order to obtain a direct distribution of the liquid.

[0044]FIG. 3a shows a longitudinal view of a sonotrode (7′) with anattachment thread (11′), a sonotrode channel (10′) and a sonotrode head(8′), wherein the sonotrode head (8′) exhibits the shape of ascrewdriver blade such that the treatment faces (9′) are disposedsideways as can be recognized from FIG. 3b. It is also conceivable inconnection with this particular construction that the channel (10′) isclosed on the front side at the sonotrode head and that instead of thechannel (10′) there is provided a cross bore hole in the middle throughthe treatment faces (9′).

[0045] The sonotrode (7″) is equipped with a dish shaped sonotrode head(8″) as shown in FIG. 4. This sonotrode is also connected to the handpiece (1) by way of the attachment thread (11″).

[0046] The treatment liquid is fed to the treatment surface (9″) throughthe channel (10″). This treatment face (9″) can be formed of a concaveshape. The atomization power of the liquids can be further increased bysuch a shape of a treatment face. A dissipation of the heat generated bythe ultrasound is performed simultaneously with the liquid atomizationwithin the applicator and at the radiating border faces.

[0047] The sonotrode (7′″) illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a ball shapedsonotrode head (8′″). The sonotrode (7′″) can be connected to the handpiece (1) with the attachment thread (11′″). The ball shaped treatmentface (9′″) is supplied with the treatment liquid through the channel(10′″). Such a ball shaped formed treatment face allows a point preciseapplication of the sonotrode (7′″) in the wound region. The sonotrodehead can, as shown, be comprised of two balls fitted next to each otheror also as a single ball or as three or more balls. The number of thenext to each other placed balls influences the intensity and the courseof the ultrasound vibrations.

[0048] In addition, other formed sonotrode head shapes, such as forexample spoon shape or hook shape sonotrode heads, are conceivablecorresponding to special requirements in addition to the forms of thesonotrode heads illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5. Some additional formsof sonotrode heads are shown in FIGS. 6 through 11.

[0049] For all illustrated and described forms of the sonotrode headsholds that, a dissipation of the heat generated by the ultrasound isperformed simultaneously with the liquid atomization within theapplicator and at the radiating border faces. Possibly required touchcontacts with the wound region can be performed under low-pain based onthe liquid fog present and/or based on the liquid film disposed on thesurface. The bactericidal effects of the ultrasound operate sterilizingwithin the zone treated. While the occurrence of a liquid cavitationcontributes to the cleaning of tissue zones disposed on the surface, theforced micro-massaging stimulates the microcirculation in the treatmentregion based on the high alternating sound pressure.

[0050] The wound cavitation processes feature a highly efficient, deeppenetrating, and bactericidal effect when subjected to ultrasoundassisted wound treatment in addition to mechanical rinsing effects. Aspecial wound treatment solution according to Schikorski can be appliedfor this purpose. This solution is a modified local tumescenceanaesthetic to which heparin has been added. Cavitations, which aredefined as micro gas bubbles imploding cyclically, cause destruction ofbacteria, viruses and fungi. The cavitation effects reach deeper intothe wound than pure rinsing effects due to ultrasound pressure. Infectedchronic wounds are characterized by an acidic wound environment thatcauses pain. The traits of aseptic wounds change as the bacteriaremnants are broken down and the wound environment turns neutral,starting to become permanently free of pain. The neutral wound basetends to heal more quickly.

[0051] the ultrasound treatment pulse causes the wound treatmentsolution to penetrate deeply into the fissures of the tissue. Fibrindeposits and bacteria growth are flushed out. The central liquid supplythrough the sonotrode probe tip shaft has been developed for tasks wheredirect application to a specific area is required. The wound treatmentsolution also contains local anaesthetics to immediately relieve thepain. Thrombosis of the granulation capillaries is suppressed byheparinization. This also enhances the formation of new capillaries andthereby speeds up the wound healing process.

[0052] The ultrasound assisted wound treatment is associated with anumber of advantages. An anaesthetising wound treatment solutioncontains heparin. The ultrasonic wound debridement is non-lesional.Bacteria grown and sealing fibrin layers are flushed out. The bacterialeffects are highly efficient. The acidic wound environment isneutralized. An enhanced granulation is created by heparinization of thewound. Acute and long term pain are alleviated.

[0053] The frequency range of the ultrasonic sound employed can be from20 to 80 kilo hertz.

[0054] The ultrasound assisted wound treatment provides an activetreatment of chronic wounds instead of a passive care. The improvementof the wound and the alleviation of the pain are immediate uponapplication of the ultrasound assisted wound treatment. The woundconditioning and healing occur within a few weeks. The apparatuscomprises a small mobile unit allows outpatient treatment as well astherapy in a hospital. The technology is fault tolerant and can beperformed by assisting staff. The daily treatment involves extremelyshort times of for example from about 2 to 5 minutes depending on thesize of the wound. The overall costs are maintained low by providing asingle purpose apparatus.

[0055] It will be understood that each of the elements described above,or two or more together, may also find a useful application in othertypes of ultrasonic system configurations and wound treatment proceduresdiffering from the types described above.

[0056] While the invention has been illustrated and described asembodied in the context of an ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment ofseptic wounds, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown,since various modifications and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0057] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can, by applying currentknowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omittingfeatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constituteessential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of thisinvention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims.
 1. An ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds comprising a hand piece (1) having a firstconnection means for connecting to an ultrasonic generator and having asecond connection means for connecting to a liquid storage; a sonotrodereceptacle disposed on the hand piece; a feed channel disposed in thehand piece and having an open end in the sonotrode receptacle; asonotrode (8) having a sonotrode head and attached to the sonotrodereceptacle disposed on the hand piece; a sonotrode channel (10, 10′,10″, 10′″) disposed in the sonotrode, having an open first end to matchthe position of the open end of the feed channel, and furnished for thefeeding in of treatment liquid such as rock salt solution and possiblyof medical healing agents such as heparin, antibiotics and the like tothe treatment face (9, 9′, 9″, 9′″) of the sonotrode head (8, 8′, 8″,8′″) adapted to a required treatment mode.
 2. The ultrasonic apparatusfor the treatment of septic wounds according to claim 1 wherein thesonotrode head (8) comprises a cylindrical shape part, wherein thetreatment face (9) is disposed at an inclined angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the sonotrode.
 3. The ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds according to claim 1 wherein the treatmentface (9) has a concave shape.
 4. The ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds according to claim 1 wherein the sonotrodehead (8′) is formed in the shape of a screwdriver blade furnished withparallel side faces.
 5. The ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment ofseptic wounds according to claim 1 wherein the sonotrode head (8″) isformed in dish shape.
 6. The ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment ofseptic wounds according to claim 5 wherein a treatment face (9″) of thesonotrode head (8″)is formed with a concave shape.
 7. The ultrasonicapparatus for the treatment of septic wounds according to claim 1wherein the sonotrode head (8′″) and therewith also a treatment surface(9′″) are formed with a ball shape.
 8. The ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds according to claim 7 wherein the sonotrodehead comprises two balls set next to each other.
 9. The ultrasonicapparatus for the treatment of septic wounds according to claim 1wherein treatment faces (9, 9′, 9″, 9′″) sonotrode (8, 8′, 8″, 8′″) arepolished.
 10. The ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment of septicwounds according to claim 1 wherein the sonotrodes (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″) aremade of a wear resistant and autoclave resistant material.
 11. Anultrasonic apparatus for the treatment of septic wounds, which comprisesa hand piece (1) connected to an ultrasonic generator and to liquidstorage and a sonotrode (8) attached to the hand piece (1), wherein achannel (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) is furnished for the feeding in oftreatment liquid such as rock salt solution and possibly of medicalhealing agents such as heparin, antibiotics and the like to thetreatment face (9, 9′, 9″, 9′″) of the sonotrode head (8, 8′, 8″, 8′″)adapted to the required treatment mode.
 12. The ultrasonic apparatus forthe treatment of septic wounds according to claim 11 wherein thesonotrode head (8) comprises a cylindrical shape part, wherein thetreatment face (9) is disposed at an inclined angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the sonotrode.
 13. The ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds according to claim 11 wherein the treatmentface (9) has a concave shape.
 14. The ultrasonic apparatus for thetreatment of septic wounds according to claim 11 wherein the sonotrodehead (8′) is formed in the shape of a screwdriver blade furnished withparallel side faces.
 15. The ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment ofseptic wounds according to claim 11 wherein the sonotrode head (8″) isformed in dish shape.
 16. The ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment ofseptic wounds according to claim 15 wherein the treatment face (9″) ofthe sonotrode head (8″) is formed with a concave shape.
 17. Theultrasonic apparatus for the treatment of septic wounds according toclaim 11 wherein the sonotrode head (8′″) and therewith also thetreatment surface (9′″) are formed with a ball shape.
 18. The ultrasonicapparatus for the treatment of septic wounds according to claim 17wherein the sonotrode head comprises one or several balls set next toeach other.
 19. The ultrasonic apparatus for the treatment of septicwounds according to claim 11 wherein the treatment faces (9, 9′, 9″,9′″) of the sonotrode head (8, 8′, 8″, 8′″) are polished.
 20. Theultrasonic apparatus for the treatment of septic wounds according toclaim 11 wherein the sonotrodes (7, 7′, 7″, 7′″) are made of a wearresistant and autoclave resistant material.
 21. A method for thetreatment of septic wounds comprising connecting a hand piece having asonotrode receptacle and having a first connection means to anultrasonic generator, wherein a feed channel is disposed in the handpiece having an open end in the sonotrode receptacle; connecting thehand piece having a second connection means to a liquid storage;attaching a sonotrode having a sonotrode head to the sonotrodereceptacle disposed on the hand piece; exposing a surface of a wound;delivering a liquid atomized by ultrasound to the wound through asonotrode channel disposed in the sonotrode, said sonotrode channelhaving an open first end to match the position of the open end of thefeed channel, and furnished for the feeding in of a treatment liquidsuch as rock salt solution and possibly of medical healing agents suchas heparin, antibiotics and the like to the treatment face of thesonotrode head adapted to the exposed wound.